HERMITAGE SPIRIT

Decanter : ***** 19 Maturity: 2019-2045

Black red, smoky cassis nose with fine Cabernet spice, quite restrained yet full of power, a really precise and true vineyard wine, superb middle sweetness, a grandly classic wine.

Jean-Marc Quarin # web : 17/20 (92/100)

This past February 5th, as early as for the 2008 Bordeaux futures campaign, château Montrose presented the results of their work to Bordeaux professionals. For me, this is the best wine that I have tasted so far made under the leadership of the new management team. It comes to my mind, although I still need to verify it, that this vintage may very well prove to perform better than the 2005. The 2005 vintage was a transition vintage (the estate got sold during the barrel aging period of that vintage). At Montrose, the 2009 is the first vintage made from vines that have been put back into a natural culture mode since 2006, after having stopped using herbicides.The wine is very intensely colored, with a solar-profile, yet still discreet nose. Distinguished by a fat entry on the palate, it is then followed by a lovely aromatic development along with a juicy character, a refined touch as well as a fine grain of tannins. Body shows strong presence from the mid-palate onwards. The wine finishes tasty and long, yet in a discreet and classical style that has no similar character to the extravaganza witnessed in some other vintages such as 2000 and 2003. This strict work needs time to express. Last year I was also evoking this slightly reserved style. Take note that my rating for the 2008 vintage of Montrose has increased at the end of barrel ageing which is a positive sign for this 2009.A blend of 60 % cabernet sauvignon, 30 % merlot, 5 % cabernet franc and 1 % petit verdot.

Le Point, Guide Jacques Dupont # 1964 : 18

Neal Martin's Wine Journal : 95-97

Representing 72% of production, a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, cropped between 17th September and 5th October, 13.7% alcohol and an IPT of 98 and 3.7 pH. this has a ripe blackberry, boysenberry, oyster shell and briary nose that soars from the glass. Fine definition with a very tangible mineral component. The palate is full-bodied with smooth tannins, very powerful with superb definition, great sense of tension here. There is a great deal of panache in this Montrose, layers of black fruit interwoven with graphite and earthy notes towards the long finish tinged with a touch of cardamom. Sophisticated and regal. A modern day ’89? Tasted March 2010.

Parker # 199 : 100 Maturity: 2020-2050

A colossal effort, the 2009 Montrose represents a hypothetical blend of the monumental duo of 1989 and 1990 combined with the phenomenal 2003. With 13.7% alcohol (an all-time high at Montrose), it is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot and the rest tiny quantities of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Some structure and minerality can be detected in the background, but the overall impression is one of massive blackberry, black currant and mulberry fruit intermixed with forest floor, damp earth, crushed rocks and a hint of spring flowers. Full-bodied with sweet but abundant tannin, Jean-Bernard Delmas believes this is the greatest wine he has made during his short tenure at Montrose since retiring from Haut-Brion. This wine will undoubtedly shut down for a decade, then unleash its power, glory and potential perfection.